Kuldeep Yadav OUT, Arshdeep Singh IN? India’s Likely Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025 Final
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India will face New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday (March 9) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium from 2:30 PM IST onwards.
India’s likely playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. (Picture Credit: AFP)
India will face New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The summit clash is scheduled to take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. India booked its place in the final by securing a four-wicket win over 2023 ODI World Cup winners Australia in the first semifinal played at the same venue on March 4, whereas New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium on March 5.
For the title decider, Indian team management could make one change to the playing XI. In place of star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was unable to take any wickets in the semifinal against Australia, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could get a game. Arshdeep has not played any match so far in the ongoing tournament but could be a surprise inclusion in the playing XI for the final.
The left-arm pacer has made a big name for himself in white-ball cricket. He is India’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game (T20I) and also finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup last year.
There is also a possibility that Harshit Rana could be considered as Kuldeep’s replacement. Harshit played in the first two matches of the Champions Trophy for India but was rested for the last Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai on March 2. In his place, Varun Chakaravarthy got a chance to play, and the 33-year-old mystery spinner picked up five wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs.
Kuldeep has 179 wickets to his name in 112 ODIs played so far, and despite question marks over his place in the playing XI, it shouldn’t be a surprise if he retains his place in the playing XI for Sunday’s match.
In the batting, Indian team management is unlikely to make any change unless there’s an injury concern, which as of now has not been reported.
Mohammed Shami is all set to lead India’s bowling attack in the summit clash and will have Hardik Pandya for support. Whereas Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Chakaravarthy are three spin bowling options who are certain to play in the final.
India’s likely playing XI for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
